A memory view generator evaluates a Liberty file characterizing an NVM module to generate a memory view file for the NVM module. The memory view file includes a port alias identifying ports of the NVM module. The port alias for a set of ports of the NVM module characterizes a type of port in the set of ports. The memory view file includes a port action identifying ports of the NVM module that have a static value and a port access identifying ports of the NVM module that have a dynamic value. The memory view file has an address limit characterizing a number of words in the NVM module and an address partition characterizing address bits and data bits. The memory view file includes a read delay that defines a number of clock cycles needed to hold an address bus stable after a strobe port transitions to an inactive state.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
2. The medium of claim 1, wherein the port alias identifies a strobe port of the NVM module.
A system and method for managing port aliases in a non-volatile memory (NVM) module addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying and accessing specific ports within the module, particularly in high-speed or complex memory architectures. The invention provides a mechanism to assign and manage port aliases, which are alternative identifiers for physical or logical ports, to simplify port addressing and improve system performance. The port aliases are stored in a configuration data structure, allowing the system to dynamically map these aliases to the actual port addresses. This configuration data structure is accessible to a host system or controller, enabling efficient port identification and communication. The invention further specifies that a port alias can identify a strobe port of the NVM module, which is a critical port used for timing synchronization in data transfers. By using port aliases, the system reduces the complexity of port management, enhances flexibility in port addressing, and ensures reliable communication with the NVM module. The configuration data structure may be updated dynamically, allowing for reconfiguration of port aliases as needed. This approach is particularly useful in systems where multiple ports must be managed efficiently, such as in high-performance computing or storage applications.
3. The medium of claim 2, wherein the memory view generator identifies a read arc and a program arc of a plurality of arcs defined in the Liberty file that has no related port to identify the strobe port.
The invention relates to electronic design automation (EDA) tools, specifically for optimizing memory interface timing in integrated circuit designs. The problem addressed is the automatic identification of strobe ports in memory interfaces, which is critical for accurate timing analysis but often requires manual configuration in existing tools. The system includes a memory view generator that processes a Liberty file, which contains timing and electrical characteristics of memory components. The generator analyzes arcs defined in the Liberty file to identify a read arc and a program arc. These arcs represent timing paths between input and output ports of the memory. The invention focuses on cases where the Liberty file does not explicitly associate a port with a strobe function. The generator identifies the strobe port by analyzing the read and program arcs, which are timing paths typically associated with data transfer operations. The strobe port is inferred based on its role in these arcs, ensuring accurate timing analysis without manual intervention. This approach automates the identification of strobe ports, reducing design errors and improving efficiency in memory interface timing analysis. The system is particularly useful in high-speed memory interfaces where precise timing is critical. The invention eliminates the need for manual configuration, streamlining the EDA workflow.
4. The medium of claim 3, wherein the strobe port includes a read condition and a program condition for the strobe port.
A system and method for managing data storage operations in a memory device, particularly addressing challenges in controlling data transfer and programming operations. The invention involves a strobe port that includes distinct read and program conditions to optimize data handling. The strobe port is configured to selectively activate based on the operational state of the memory device, ensuring synchronized data transfer during read operations and precise timing during programming operations. This dual-condition design enhances reliability and efficiency by preventing conflicts between read and write cycles. The strobe port may be integrated into a memory controller or directly within the memory device, depending on the system architecture. The invention also includes mechanisms to detect and respond to the strobe port's conditions, ensuring proper sequencing of operations. This approach improves data integrity and performance in memory systems, particularly in high-speed or high-density storage applications. The strobe port's configurable conditions allow for adaptability across different memory technologies and protocols, making it suitable for various storage solutions.
5. The medium of claim 4, wherein the port access assigns values to assert a complement of the program condition of the strobe port.
A system and method for managing port access in a computing environment involves controlling data transfer operations through a strobe port. The strobe port is used to signal data validity or readiness for transmission, and its state is determined by a program condition. The system includes a port access mechanism that assigns values to the strobe port to assert a complement of the program condition. This means the strobe port's state is inverted relative to the original program condition, allowing for flexible control of data transfer timing. The system may also include a data port for transmitting or receiving data, and a control unit that manages the port access operations. The control unit can generate signals to activate or deactivate the strobe port based on the assigned values, ensuring synchronized data transfer. The port access mechanism may further include logic to handle multiple program conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the strobe port's behavior. This approach improves data transfer reliability by ensuring proper synchronization between the strobe signal and the data being transmitted or received. The system is particularly useful in high-speed communication interfaces where precise timing is critical.
6. The medium of claim 5, wherein the port alias further identifies a read bus on the NVM module.
A system and method for managing data access in a non-volatile memory (NVM) module involves using port aliases to identify and control communication paths. The NVM module includes multiple ports, each associated with a specific bus, such as a read bus or a write bus. A port alias is assigned to each port, where the alias includes an identifier for the bus type (e.g., read or write) and the port's physical or logical address. This allows a host system to direct data operations to the correct port and bus, improving efficiency and reducing errors in data retrieval and storage. The port alias may also include additional metadata, such as priority levels or access permissions, to further optimize data handling. By using these aliases, the system ensures that read and write operations are routed to the appropriate bus, preventing conflicts and enhancing performance. The method involves generating the port alias, storing it in a lookup table, and using it to direct data transactions within the NVM module. This approach simplifies port management and improves scalability in systems with multiple memory modules.
7. The medium of claim 6, wherein the read bus comprises an array of ports of the NVM module that have a read arc of a plurality of arcs defined in the Liberty file that are related to the strobe port and have read condition that matches the read condition of the strobe port.
This invention relates to non-volatile memory (NVM) modules and specifically addresses the challenge of optimizing read operations by efficiently managing read bus configurations. The technology involves a read bus that includes an array of ports within the NVM module, where these ports are selected based on their read arcs as defined in a Liberty file. The read arcs represent timing relationships between signals, and the ports are chosen if their read arcs match the read condition of a strobe port. The strobe port is a critical timing reference for synchronizing read operations. By aligning the read conditions of the selected ports with the strobe port, the system ensures timing consistency and improves data integrity during read operations. This approach enhances performance by reducing timing mismatches and ensuring that all relevant ports operate in sync with the strobe signal. The invention is particularly useful in high-speed memory systems where precise timing control is essential for reliable data retrieval. The Liberty file, which contains timing and electrical characteristics of the NVM module, is used to define the read arcs and their conditions, ensuring that the selected ports meet the required timing specifications. This method improves the efficiency and reliability of read operations in NVM modules by dynamically configuring the read bus based on timing constraints.
8. The medium of claim 7, wherein a given port of the NVM module in the port action has an output direction and a read condition defined in the Liberty file that is different than the read condition of the strobe port.
The invention relates to non-volatile memory (NVM) modules and their integration with electronic systems, particularly focusing on port configurations and signal timing. The problem addressed involves ensuring proper synchronization and data integrity when interfacing NVM modules with other components, especially in high-speed or complex systems where timing mismatches or incorrect port configurations can lead to errors or system failures. The invention describes a method for configuring ports in an NVM module using a Liberty file, which is a standard format for defining timing and electrical characteristics of integrated circuits. The Liberty file specifies the direction (input or output) and read conditions for each port in the NVM module. A key aspect is that a given port can have a different read condition than the strobe port, which is a critical signal used for timing synchronization. This flexibility allows for customization of port behavior to match the requirements of the system, ensuring accurate data transfer and reducing the risk of timing-related errors. The invention also includes a method for generating a Liberty file that defines the port actions, including the direction and read conditions for each port. This ensures that the NVM module operates correctly within the system, with proper timing and signal integrity. The Liberty file can be used by design tools to verify the correctness of the NVM module's behavior in the system, helping to prevent issues during system integration and operation. The overall goal is to improve the reliability and performance of NVM modules in electronic systems by providing precise control over port configurations and timing.
9. The medium of claim 8, wherein the port action assigns values to assert the complement of the read condition of the given port.
This invention relates to a method for managing port actions in a computing system, particularly for handling read conditions in a memory-mapped input/output (I/O) system. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently and accurately control port states, especially when asserting the complement of a read condition for a given port. The invention involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform a process where a port action is assigned values to assert the complement of the read condition of a specified port. This ensures that the port's state is correctly inverted or modified based on the read condition, which is critical for proper I/O operations. The port action may include reading or writing data to the port, and the complement operation ensures that the port's behavior aligns with system requirements, such as toggling a control signal or adjusting a status flag. The invention also includes determining the port's current state before applying the complement operation, ensuring accurate and predictable port behavior. This method is particularly useful in systems where precise control over I/O port states is necessary, such as in embedded systems, hardware interfaces, or real-time computing environments. The invention improves reliability and reduces errors in port-based communication by ensuring that the complement of the read condition is properly asserted, preventing misinterpretation of port states.
11. The medium of claim 10, wherein the port action identifies a set of ports as marginal read ports that have an input direction that are not address ports or data-bit address ports.
A system for managing memory access in a computing device addresses inefficiencies in port utilization during read operations. The invention identifies and categorizes ports to optimize performance. Specifically, it classifies ports as marginal read ports, which are those that do not serve as address ports or data-bit address ports. These marginal read ports are distinguished from other ports to improve resource allocation and reduce latency in memory access operations. The system dynamically adjusts port usage based on their classification, ensuring that critical address and data-bit address functions are prioritized while marginal read ports are utilized for less critical tasks. This classification helps balance workload distribution and enhances overall system efficiency by preventing bottlenecks in memory access pathways. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where efficient memory management is essential for maintaining speed and reliability. By distinguishing marginal read ports from other types, the system ensures that resources are allocated optimally, reducing unnecessary delays and improving data retrieval times. This approach is applicable in various computing architectures, including processors, memory controllers, and other components that manage data flow between memory and processing units.
12. The medium of claim 10, wherein the memory view generator determines the address limit of the NVM module based on a number of address ports and data address ports.
The invention relates to memory management in non-volatile memory (NVM) systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently determining address limits for memory access. The system includes a memory view generator that dynamically calculates the address limit of an NVM module by analyzing the number of address ports and data address ports available. This allows the system to optimize memory access operations by ensuring that address ranges are correctly mapped and utilized. The memory view generator may also generate a memory view that defines the addressable range of the NVM module, enabling efficient data storage and retrieval. The system further includes a memory controller that manages data transactions between the NVM module and a host system, ensuring that memory operations adhere to the determined address limits. The invention improves memory efficiency and performance by dynamically adjusting address limits based on hardware configuration, reducing the risk of address conflicts and optimizing memory utilization.
13. The medium of claim 10, wherein the memory view generator analyzes simulation results of a simulated instance of the NVM module to determine the address limit.
A system and method for managing memory access in non-volatile memory (NVM) modules addresses the challenge of efficiently determining address limits for memory operations. The system includes a memory view generator that analyzes simulation results of a simulated instance of the NVM module to determine an address limit. This address limit defines a boundary for memory operations, ensuring that access remains within valid memory regions and preventing errors or data corruption. The memory view generator processes simulation data to identify the maximum or optimal address range that can be safely accessed, taking into account factors such as memory capacity, addressing schemes, and operational constraints. By dynamically determining the address limit based on simulation results, the system adapts to different NVM configurations and ensures reliable memory access. The method involves simulating the NVM module under various conditions, analyzing the simulation output to extract address-related information, and applying this information to enforce access boundaries in real-world operations. This approach improves memory management efficiency and reduces the risk of address-related failures in NVM systems.
14. The medium of claim 10, wherein the memory generator generates the address partition for the NVM module based on a number of address ports in the port alias.
The invention relates to memory management in non-volatile memory (NVM) systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently partitioning memory addresses to optimize performance and resource utilization. The system includes a memory generator that dynamically creates address partitions for an NVM module based on the number of address ports in a port alias. The port alias defines a mapping between logical and physical addresses, allowing the system to allocate memory resources more effectively. The memory generator ensures that the address partitions align with the available address ports, preventing bottlenecks and improving data access efficiency. This approach enhances scalability and adaptability in memory-intensive applications, particularly in systems where multiple memory ports must be managed concurrently. The invention also includes a memory controller that processes read and write operations using the generated address partitions, ensuring consistent and reliable data handling. By dynamically adjusting address partitions based on port configurations, the system optimizes memory access patterns, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. The solution is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where efficient memory management is critical.
15. The medium of claim 1, wherein the read delay of the NVM module is based on an active pulse width of the strobe port, an address hold time for a falling edge of the strobe port, a Q valid to strobe port falling edge and a fuse control clock.
This invention relates to non-volatile memory (NVM) systems, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing read operations to improve performance and reliability. The technology involves a method for controlling the read delay of an NVM module by dynamically adjusting timing parameters based on specific signal characteristics. The read delay is determined by analyzing multiple factors, including the active pulse width of a strobe port, the address hold time for the falling edge of the strobe port, the time between the Q valid signal and the falling edge of the strobe port, and a fuse control clock. These parameters ensure precise synchronization between the memory controller and the NVM module, reducing read latency and enhancing data integrity. The system may also include a timing adjustment mechanism that modifies these parameters in response to environmental conditions or operational requirements, such as temperature variations or voltage fluctuations. This approach allows for adaptive read operations, improving efficiency and reliability in NVM systems. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance storage applications where minimizing read delays is critical.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the memory view generator identifies a read arc and a program arc of a plurality of program arcs defined in the Liberty file that has no related port to identify a strobe port of the NVM module, the strobe port includes a read condition and a program condition for the strobe port and the port access assigns values to assert a complement of the program condition of the strobe port.
This invention relates to a system for managing memory access in non-volatile memory (NVM) modules, particularly focusing on identifying and handling strobe ports in the absence of explicit port definitions. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining strobe port behavior when the Liberty file, which describes the timing and electrical characteristics of the NVM module, lacks direct port definitions for strobe signals. The memory view generator analyzes the Liberty file to identify read and program arcs, which are timing paths associated with memory operations. By examining these arcs, the system detects a strobe port that lacks a related port definition. The strobe port is characterized by distinct read and program conditions, which define its behavior during memory access operations. The port access component then assigns values to assert the complement of the program condition for the strobe port, ensuring proper signaling during memory operations. This approach enables reliable memory access even when the Liberty file does not explicitly define the strobe port, improving system robustness and compatibility with various NVM modules. The invention enhances memory management by dynamically interpreting timing arcs to infer strobe port functionality, reducing the need for manual configuration and minimizing errors in memory access protocols.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the module design file is a Liberty file.
A system for electronic design automation (EDA) generates and optimizes integrated circuit (IC) designs by analyzing and modifying module design files. These files contain timing, power, and performance characteristics of IC components. The system includes a processor and memory storing instructions to process these files, extract relevant data, and apply design optimizations. The system further includes a user interface for configuring optimization parameters and displaying results. The system is particularly useful for improving IC performance by adjusting module parameters based on extracted data. In one configuration, the module design file is formatted as a Liberty file, a standard format for representing timing and power characteristics of digital IC components. The system processes this Liberty file to extract timing arcs, power consumption data, and other performance metrics, enabling precise optimization of IC designs. The system may also validate the optimized design against specified constraints and generate reports for further analysis. This approach enhances design efficiency by automating the optimization process while ensuring compliance with performance requirements.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the parsing comprises identifying a read arc and a program arc of a plurality of program arcs defined in the Liberty file that have no related port to identify a strobe port of the NVM module, wherein the strobe port includes a read condition and a program condition for the strobe port.
This invention relates to non-volatile memory (NVM) module design, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately identifying strobe ports in integrated circuits. The method involves parsing a Liberty file, a standard timing model used in electronic design automation, to extract timing characteristics of the NVM module. The parsing process includes analyzing a plurality of program arcs defined in the Liberty file to identify a read arc and a program arc that lack a related port. These arcs are used to determine the strobe port of the NVM module, which is critical for synchronizing read and write operations. The strobe port is characterized by distinct read and program conditions, ensuring proper timing alignment for data transfer. This approach automates the identification of strobe ports, reducing manual design errors and improving the efficiency of NVM module integration in larger circuit designs. The method leverages existing Liberty file data to extract timing relationships without requiring additional simulation or testing, streamlining the design verification process.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 13, 2022
April 30, 2024
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.